Space Witch

A Powderkeg of a Holiday

“Historically, the most terrible things—war, genocide, and slavery—have resulted not from disobedience, but from obedience.”

—Howard Zinn

“You must ask for what you really want.

Don’t go back to sleep!

People are going back and forth

across the doorsill where the two worlds touch,

The door is round and open

Don’t go back to sleep!”

—Rumi (13th-century Persian poet)

Get ready for the most intensely volatile day of the whole month, which just happens to fall on Thursday the 24th. (Yup. Thanksgiving Day.) Usually “Space Witch” closes with a list of dates to watch, but this is no ordinary week. Thursday’s astrology is a powderkeg of harsh planetary angles whose hard edges shape the entire week. So let’s dig into the specifics: A three-day cluster of tension kicks off Wednesday the 23rd, peaks on Thursday, and continues through Friday the 25th. The weekend is somewhat easier, yet a Scorpio moon on Saturday and Sunday sets the stage for wounding words, button-pushing, and moody outbursts. If you’re planning to travel or visit family for this feast-focused holiday, prepare for big fireworks.

SQUARES OF CONFLICT

According to the geometry of astrology, when one planet forms a 90-degree angle to another planet (or to the moon or sun), that position is called a “square.” It’s like the planets are having a difficult conversation we can all feel. Squares create challenges or stressful situations in our lives that motivate us—require us—to change. Thursday dishes up three squares, and they’re major.

The most important players in the Thanksgiving Day squares are Pluto and Jupiter, two outer planets that mostly affect world events but can also color our personal lives. Pluto, currently in Capricorn, wants to maintain the status quo and continue with business as usual. Pluto does not want its power or traditions questioned. However, Jupiter (in Libra) will square Pluto, insisting on more empathy, fairness, and adjustments to old systems. Given this country’s highly charged post-election atmosphere, it’s not hard to imagine how this Pluto/Jupiter square might play out at the dinner table.

Through clashes of opinions and heated debate, people will show you who they are this week; you may not like the grand reveal. You might feel disheartened or distanced from loved ones. Although understanding sometimes stings, Sagittarius season tells us that knowledge of self and others is essential. We’re here to learn, and this final week of November is stuffed with momentous occasions for growth. I know, I know. You’re tired of transformations and life lessons. 2016 has been a high-anxiety year, kicking up more questions than answers. But don’t go back to sleep.

SAGITTARIUS COMMUNICATION

Because the Sun, Mercury, and Saturn are all in Sagittarius, our words and attitudes are currently flavored with Sagittarian communication traits. The positives? Sagittarius isn’t afraid to express deeply held beliefs, no matter how unpopular. Sag knows there are more important things in life than being liked. While some people will be invested in glossing over differences this week in the name of keeping the peace or coming together, others will feel moved to tap all the Sag energy in the air by speaking out against insensitive statements or bigotry. This is a chance to draw boundaries and declare what you won’t accept anymore: “Actually, that’s not OK with me,” we may declare.

Sagittarius understands that confrontation, although uncomfortable in the moment, is necessary to create lasting change. Fire signs are not afraid to resist, disobey, or ruffle social norms. Of course, the negative side of Sagittarius means coming across as an impatient, self-righteous high-horse-rider who awkwardly blurts out blunt words, justified with a quick “I’m just being honest!” Tread that fine line and trust your gut in the moment.

Any interpersonal rifts that occur this week won’t likely be patched up overnight, so let the big issues marinate and show you where your views don’t line up with others’. When Pluto is involved, things can feel extra-heavy and consequential. The moon is also forming many squares right now, so the conflicts we encounter may shade our emotional world as well. If you reach a boiling point, try turning to creativity, art, and beauty to help you through the rough angles.

One last note: Sunday the 27th marks the birthday of three famous guys with Seattle ties who weren’t afraid to live boldly. Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Lee, and Bill Nye: Happy birthday, fellas.